Friday, February 7, 2014

Blog Tour: An Interview with Stacey Rourke

I was so happy that I was able to interview Stacey. Or, as I like to call it, "The Rourke Files".

For those of you who have not started the series but would like to, The Conduit is currently free on Amazon. Go get it! I'll wait for you, so go grab it and then come back!

If you read my blog ever, at all, you know my love for this fine lady. When I saw that she had a tour coming up, I was pumped. But I have already reviewed the books, so I was hoping to still be able to help out. Lucky for me, I got the best thing ever - asking Stacey all kinds of crap (I mean well thought out questions that will touch the soul) and she answered! Here it is, ya'll!

When did you first know that you wanted to be a writer?

Writing has been a part of who I am since elementary school. But it wasn’t until completing my first manuscript that I realized it was a career I wanted to pursue and not just a passion I wanted to keep for myself.

Where did the inspiration for The Gryphon Series first come from?

As the mom of two young girls I wanted to create a female lead that all girls could relate to, one that would show them that a hero lies in each and every one of them. That they all can be the hero of their own story if, in those dire moments, they dig deep and refuse to give up.

Did you know when you were writing The Conduit that the story was going to end up spanning across so many books?

Since book one I’ve had a pretty good idea of the entire story arc, so yes.

Which character do you most identify with in The Gryphon Series?

Probably Rowan, we share a mutual love of rum and sandy beaches.

Any chances that we will see Gram get involved in a love interest in the upcoming novel?

In the novella I’m working on now, different characters from the series take center stage. So, it may be a while until Gram’s can find herself a new hottie. Don’t tell her that though, she’ll be cranky.

Team Caleb or Team Rowan?

I have the right to remain silent—cough, Rowan, cough—I’m sorry what was I saying?

Will the next book in the series be the last?

The next Gryphon Series novella will actually spin us right into a new series, but we can rest assured that Gryphon Series characters may make cameos and for now they’ll be in a good place.

If you had to describe the story arc in one twitter update, limited to 140 characters, what would it be?

A teen girl must find the hero within her—and become the savior mankind needs. (Wow, deep, huh?)

Give an example of a typical day in the life of a writing mom of two.

Drag kids from bed.

Beg children to eat breakfast.

Rush to get them dressed and off to school.

Come home to handle marketing and the less fun business aspects of my job.

If I’m lucky get a workout in.

Get children from school.

Homework time and then dinner.

Pack lunches, clean children, let them chill in front of a movie until bed.

Write and edit until I can’t keep my eyes open.

Did you have any favorite books as a child/adolescent growing up?

Anything and everything written by Christopher Pike!

What made you chose to write in the genre of young adult literature?

The story pretty much demanded that, but I won’t limit myself to that genre. I will go where the stories take me.

What are three of your current favorite authors?

They change all the time! The most recent authors whose books I will completely lost myself in were by Suzanne Collins, Issac Morion, and Veronica Roth.

The characters in it are a bit older, more the New Adult age classification. The fantasy elements will still be there, and the humor. In it readers will find recognizable characters portrayed in a whole new light! I’m super excited about it!

If you could be any character on How I Met Your Mother, who would it be and why?

That’s a hard one! I don’t know I’d most like to be, but I do know who I’m most like—Ted. Just like him I occasionally slip into delusions that I’m kind of cool. Then I have a huge dufus moment that reveals the truth.

An online quiz recently said that you were most like Princess Belle from Beauty and the Beast. Is she your favorite Disney princess, or do you love another?

I agree with the quiz that I’m the most like Belle. But Rapunzel is my favorite princess. I mean, did you see her tower?! I would LOVE to live there! Disney should build one and rent it out for weekends. Just sayin’.

Favorite movie in the Star Wars saga:

Revenge of the Sith

Most craved food:

Chinese

All-time favorite mommy drink (adult beverage):

Rum, or a pink punk fusion from TGIFridays. They put cotton candy right in it! That’s brilliant!

Favorite children’s story to read to your girls:

Anything that engages them. I love to change it up.

And that's it! I could have played 100 questions with her, but as you read, this lady has got other stuff to do! Thank you, Stacey, for answering my questions and indulging a fan a in squee-worthy, fan-girl moment. I cannot wait to get my hands on the novella, as well as the new book. Like, I would seriously work out if that meant I would get them faster! (And momma has a rough time with trying to get in shape.)